Here's Some Help Troubleshooting Your Garage Sensor

There are few things more frustrating than when you're trying to close your garage and 1/3 of the way down it automatically comes right back up. You look to see if anything is obstructing the sensors and there's nothing there. Now, it's easy if you see a soccer-ball or some other small object in the way. You just move it and away you go.

However, if that's not the case you'll need to get up close and personal with your garage sensors. We wanted to write this article to help you if that situation every presented itself. Rather than going in blindly, setting yourself up for an session of frustration, we decided to lay it out for you step-by-step.
TL;DR

Check for dust, debris, and cobwebs.

Wipe the lens clean.

Realign the sensors.

Check the wiring.

Check For Dust, Debris, and Cobwebs

As easy as it sounds, this is a lot more common than you think. Sometimes a large enough cobweb will cover the sensor, blocking the connection. Other times, mud and dirt can get kicked up on the lens. Even thick enough dust can prevent the sensor connection for older units. Simply remove the cobweb, other obstruction, or just blow off the thick layer of dust. This should do the trick.

Wipe The Lens Clean

If that doesn't take care of it, give the lens a closer inspection. You'll find that mud and other gunk can get caked on the lens. This can happy if it's been raining and there's a lot of activity around the sensor. Anyhow, take a clean rag, some cleaning solution, and thoroughly (but gently) clean the lens off. You'll see a green light on the sensor to let you know if the connection with the other sensor has been reestablished.

Realign Sensors

Once you've cleaned the sensor and it still isn't working, it's time to get a bit more serious. This will require some hardware to complete- albeit, just a small screwdriver. What you're going to need to do is loosen the screws attaching the sensor to the bracket. Loosen them just enough to where you can manipulate the orientation of the sensor- not so loose that the sensor can't face the other sensor on it's own. Move the sensor just enough until you see the green connection light. Once you have reestablished the connection between the sensors, hold firm, and tighten the screws back up.

Check The Wiring

Now, if after all that your sensors are still not connecting, you'll need to check the electrical wiring. We often recommend that you call a professional if it gets to this point. To check if this is a wiring issue, grab a step-ladder, unplug the opener from the power source, take off the panel to the opener, and inspect the sensor wiring for any damage. You'll also want to check the wiring on the back of the sensors as well. If you notice any damaged or worn wire, it's time to call a professional (unless you're a master electrician!). These wires will need to be replaced to get you back up and running.

And that's that! Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance!